Will I receive any financial support while I train?

Yes. If you are on a postgraduate or undergraduate route into Initial Teacher Training, and are classed as home or European Union (EU), then you will be able to access the standard financial package of student support available to all students in England. This includes tuition fee and maintenance loans, and a means-tested maintenance grant. In addition to this, you may be eligible for a tax-free training bursary.

Will I receive a training bursary?

Substantial tax-free bursaries of up to £30,000 are available for people with top degrees in certain subjects. The amount of bursary you will be eligible for depends on the subject you want to teach and your degree classification. Scholarships are also available in a number of subjects.

When are postgraduate bursaries paid? What can it be used for?

Will I receive funding for my postgraduate teacher training if I have a degree class below a 2:2?

Anyone starting postgraduate teacher training will need to hold a degree of at least second class honours or equivalent in order to receive a training bursary from the Department for Education. Trainees holding third class or pass/ordinary degrees will not be eligible for a bursary unless they hold a higher relevant academic qualification, such as a masters or a PhD. Trainees who do not have a degree of at least second class honours may still be eligible to access a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) course and access the student support package of tuition fee loans, maintenance grants and maintenance loans from the Student Loans Company.

What if I don’t have the required qualifications?

If you don’t have the necessary GCSEs in mathematics, English or science, you may be able to take a pre-entry test set by your ITT provider. Some providers may also accept skills developed through other related work experience. If in doubt, you should contact your chosen ITT provider to find out what their requirements are.

What if my degree doesn’t relate to the subject I want to teach?

If you don’t think your degree is relevant to any subject in the curriculum, contact your local ITT provider for advice. For more information on teaching or teacher training contact the Teaching Line on 0800 389 2500.